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Comic Con?
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asnively
Triple G


Joined: 17 Jun 2006
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 11:45 am    Post subject: Comic Con? Reply with quote

So, any value in attending Comic Con (San Diego) with the hope of connecting to people who could hook a person up with VO work?
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Bailey
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 12:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Word going around in San Diego is that this could be the last year for our town. The convention center is too small, and can't be expanded fast enough.
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craigcrumpton
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Joined: 17 Mar 2008
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Location: Atlanta, GA

PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 12:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Comic-con is overrated when it comes to industry networking. It's so huge and crazy and busy that even if you do get a chance to network with industry peeps you're going to have maybe a minute to make a good impression. I've met a few voice directors and voice casting people there for animation and dozens of 'toon voice actors, but I could tell they were already sick of having people push demos and business cards on them as well as the constant questions about VO work.

You might find some good contacts with independent studios either producing indie projects or digital comics that need voices, but it's doubtful they're going to pay very well.

And most of the mainstream studios that produce animation who are in attendance -- it's their PR people who are there, so it's almost pointless to network with them. Casting and PR are two totally different departments. They might at least be able to give you some contact info, but I doubt it's anything you couldn't find online on your own. I managed to get a few names to address my demos to, but nothing ever came of it.

If you're coming out of pocket considerably (hotel and travel) to attend the con, unless you happen to get a chance to be invited to a VIP event where you'd actually have "quality" time to network I really don't think it's worth the "investment."

If you like meeting animation voice actors though, it's the best convention to attend.

I believe the con is already sold out, as well as most of the area hotels. So unless you're attending as a professional, at this point it's too late to register.
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asnively
Triple G


Joined: 17 Jun 2006
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Location: Los Angeles

PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a professional registration, but as I was trying to book a hotel, I began to think I might be wasting my time... Looks like I was right. Thanks, Craig!
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Bob Bergen
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bailey wrote:
Word going around in San Diego is that this could be the last year for our town. The convention center is too small, and can't be expanded fast enough.


San Diego still has CC contracted for a few years. Plus, there's a proposal to expand the convention center. LA, Vegas, and Anaheim are under consideration. But I have a feeling it will stay in San Diego.

Is it worth it?? Well, first of all, it's sold out. So, if you don't have tickets now unless you have a friend with tickets you won't get in.

Now, on the question of should you go?? It's crowded, a sensory explosion, loud, and on occasion smells bad. It's also a blast! I've missed a few over the past 15 years. Not sure if I'm attending this year. If I get a call to promote something from one of the studios I'm there. I'd still have to pay for my own hotel. Might just make it a day trip.

As for networking, the biggest mistake a voice actor can make at this or any other type of convention is to pass out their demo or business cards. No one wants to lug your demo around. And your card will be thrown away.

VO marketing rule #1-a good marketer doesn't look like they are marketing. Now, the majority of those trying to break into VO by way of Comic-con aren't on the level of VOBBers. They truly have no idea how it's done. But a handful come with demos, business cards, flyers, stickers, toys, etc., to hand out to potential buyers.

Want to stay in touch with a buyer you meet at a convention??
COLLECT THEIR BUSINESS CARD!!!!
Then, email them your demo. Short and sweet note. OR friend them on Facebook. Etc.

Many buyers are turned off by folks at Comic con because the masses come across too needy and desperate. Take a course on marketing at a college extension course. Learn to be marketing savvy. AND, at that point I absolutely recommend attending Comic con. First of all, it's fun! BUT-if you make one business connection, as far as your career is concerned the trip is worth it.

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craigcrumpton
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Joined: 17 Mar 2008
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

asnively wrote:
I have a professional registration, but as I was trying to book a hotel, I began to think I might be wasting my time... Looks like I was right. Thanks, Craig!
You're welcome. I think VOICE 2010 would be a much better investment for a VO person than SDCC.

I can't afford either one this year because both take place too close to my anniversary and two other more local conventions I'm already booked for. But I look forward to hearing about them from those that attend.
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Lance Blair
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Joined: 03 Jun 2007
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I love San Diego and the SDCC (which is like the 24th largest in the country unfortunately). For all its flaws - Atlanta has the 4th largest CC, over twice the size of San Diego, and a burgeoning animation community.

D*Con and Comic Con in one city? Heck ya!!!
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Bob Bergen
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Joined: 22 Apr 2008
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 2:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dragon con rocks. I went last year. It's spread out over several venues. I believe Comic con has more attendees. Over 100,000. Overall, cons are fun!

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craigcrumpton
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 2:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lance Blair wrote:
I love San Diego and the SDCC (which is like the 24th largest in the country unfortunately). For all its flaws - Atlanta has the 4th largest CC, over twice the size of San Diego, and a burgeoning animation community.

D*Con and Comic Con in one city? Heck ya!!!
And Dragon*Con's not even considered a "comic" convention.

It would be a pipe dream that Comic-Con moves to Atlanta. We're too far from LA, and the locale is one of the primary reasons SDCC got so huge: the entertainment industry found out they could take a day trip, bring a star or two, and hype the crap out of their production...even if their movie isn't a comic property or even remotely genre-related (I'm looking at you, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia").

I love SDCC even though I don't get any sleep that entire weekend. I'd go every year if I could afford it. I haven't been since 2004. I got married in '05. Coincidence? Probably not.
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craigcrumpton
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 2:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bob Bergen wrote:
Dragon con rocks. I went last year. It's spread out over several venues. I believe Comic con has more attendees. Over 100,000. Overall, cons are fun!

Wink
D*C claimed they had their highest attendance on record in 2009, as did SDCC. But D*C's official attendance was 35K, although it was reported that it was as high as 50-75K.

And thanks again, Bob, for being our guest for the ATL VO dinner last year. I'm already planning another one as soon as more guests are announced.
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Bob Bergen
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 3:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

craigcrumpton wrote:
Bob Bergen wrote:
Dragon con rocks. I went last year. It's spread out over several venues. I believe Comic con has more attendees. Over 100,000. Overall, cons are fun!

Wink
D*C claimed they had their highest attendance on record in 2009, as did SDCC. But D*C's official attendance was 35K, although it was reported that it was as high as 50-75K.

And thanks again, Bob, for being our guest for the ATL VO dinner last year. I'm already planning another one as soon as more guests are announced.


It was fun, Craig! Wish I could be there this year!!

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asnively
Triple G


Joined: 17 Jun 2006
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 3:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks, Bob! I promise I wasn't going to do anything embarrassing and n00bish.

My intent is/was to make human contact and get the necessary info so I could follow-up with anyone with whom I clicked. Just wasn't sure if it was going to be only wall-to-wall marketeers, celebs, and cosplayers, or whether there'd be enough creatives on hand that I'd have a reasonable chance to actually interact with anyone for a potentially mutually-beneficial connection. Y'know?
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Deirdre
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 3:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've been at the Comic-con in NYC. I met a good lawyer.
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Triple G


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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 3:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That can be useful.
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Mike Sommer
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 4:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I want to go so bad. But my weekend is turning out to be crazzzzzzzy.
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